Trump Administration Proposes Loosening Vehicle Emissions Standards

Traffic backs up on an exit from Highway 101 on May 1, 2018 in Larkspur, California. California and 17 other states filed a lawsuit against President Trump's administration for a plan to lower planned increases in vehicle-emissions requirements for car makers. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The White House announced a proposal Thursday to undo Obama-era fuel economy rules that require automakers to reach a fleet average of about 54 miles per gallon by 2025. The new target would be 37 miles per gallon by 2026. The proposal also eliminates California's authority to set its own stricter tailpipe standards and the state's requirement that automakers sell a certain number of zero-emission vehicles. The Trump Administration says its plan will save manufacturers and consumers money. Opponents dispute that claim and say it will increase greenhouse gas pollution. California and a number of other states intend to file suit against the changes. We'll discuss the proposal and its potential impact.